Elizabeth McGovern is a world away from her role as the quiet, coy Cora, Countess of Grantham, on the popular TV series "Downton Abbey." The Oscar-nominated actress is also a folk singer and she is bringing her band, Sadie and the Hotheads, to the United States for its first American tour. And among the stops are Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk on Dec. 12 and in Hartford on Dec. 14.

The 53-year-old American film, television and theater actor, musician and former fiancée of Sean Penn, who will make a special appearance at a CPTV fundraiser Dec. 7 at the home of Arnold and Sandra Chase, was ladylike but so down to earth as she talked about her music, the British period drama and the holiday season.

Q: After reading everything about you, you must be over the moon with happiness, the success of "Downton Abbey," your cover of "Little Drummer Boy" that is part of the new Christmas compilation album "White Christmas," the new "Christmas at Downtown Abbey" CD, Sadie and the Hotheads "Still Waiting'' CD and jumping the pond to tour the United States with your band. What is exciting you most?

A: That's very difficult to say. I am most excited about bringing the band to the United States. Some of the members have never been to America and we are hooking up with this great piano player, Barry Walsh. I have loved him for ages and never thought in my wildest dreams he would play with us. I think that is the single most exciting thing at the moment.

Q: Your group is so well known on your side of the ocean but not so much here. Is your hope to make it internationally known?

A: I have been in business so long and learned to never hope for anything. I just sort of focus on what I know is happening and am mostly just excited about the actual experience of seeing my Hotheads eat their first food from an American diner. We're taking things one step at a time. We just sort of want to see how far we can get with the music. I will be very happy if our music connects to a few people in a genuine way. The joy will be the experience. I am looking forward to the Infinity venues now that you have explained them. I love discovering these beautiful theaters and the people in the community who care. I really love talking to people after the show.

And so it was on Sunday when the Chases threw open the doors of their 50,000+ square-foot home for a cocktail party benefiting...

If you are going to throw a Downton Abbey party what better place than at one of Connecticut's grandest estates, the impressive West Hartford home of Arnold and Sandra Chase.

And so it was on Sunday when the Chases threw open the doors of their 50,000+ square-foot home for a cocktail party benefiting...

(MaryEllen Fillo)

Q: The music on the "Christmas At Downton Abbey" is almost haunting in some ways. And some of the music I had never heard before. When the brainstorming took place, did you know what you wanted?

A: I didn't do any brainstorming, the producers came to me with ideas and I loved them. When they gave us the opportunity to cover Christmas songs, I just drew out of my memory bank this childhood love I had for "Little Drummer Boy," for the White Christmas CD and the duet for "The First Noel" and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" on the Downton Abbey album. I just liked them.

Q: Do you have a favorite piece on the "Downton Abbey'' album?

A: I like a lot of them and love the choral stuff. I just love the feeling of the album, it's not trying to be anything but what it is, a wonderful peaceful atmosphere for Christmas. It's not an album about egos, just really supposed to make Christmas time nice and warm. It was carefully done and took a lot of effort to make things nice.

Q: You have a stellar reputation as an actor and singer and the "Downton Abbey'' CD includes music by fellow cast members Julian Ovenden who plays Charles Blake and Jim Carter who plays Mr. Carson. Do you find yourselves jamming between takes when you are filming "Downton Abbey''?

A: We don't do a lot of singing on the set together but it has been known to happen. I always have my guitar because I like it there to pass the time. Sometimes someone else will pick it up and start singing. A lot of people on the show are musical.

Q: How do you keep your singing and acting careers separate and do you think Lady Cora will ever be singing in an episode of "Downton Abbey"?

A: It's easy for me to keep them separate. I'm not sure how interested 'Downton Abbey' would be in Sadie and the Hotheads and vice versa. They are just two separate worlds and I just use all my brain cells when I am doing one or the other. As far as Lady Cora singing, she is far too self-effacing to sing and I wouldn't expect that to happen.

Q: Love the name of your band and am assuming you are Sadie?

A: I am not. Sadie has a lot more confidence than Elizabeth McGovern. I like the idea that we represent the idea that everybody has a genuine voice within them. It is intrinsically interesting. Whether you like the group or not, we sing genuine songs written from a totally genuine place. When I wrote some of the songs we do, I was not thinking of how to make them a commercial success. The world has become such a business oriented enterprise. I think it is nice to think there are some songs that are just written from what is inside you.

Q: The best part and the scariest part of your American tour?

A: The best part is just being on the road with the band. I like that. We always have a good time. The scariest part is that we are not like most to always sort of go out on faith and a prayer. We will see if the United States is receptive to our music. I wouldn't try it unless I thought someone would get it out there.

Q: What is your favorite Christmas memory?

A: There was an actual time I can remember when I was three I actually saw Santa Claus. I woke up in my bed and he was standing there, as real as the hand in front of my face. Favorite memories now are as you would expect, those with family. The hero of my Christmas is my mother-in-law. She does all the cooking. Everyone should be so lucky.

Q: "Downton Abbey'' has been picked up for season 6. Can you give us a hint of what's to come?

A: Nope, but I can tell you the show is at its best. It's back to being the tapestry of the older characters audiences have gotten to know. The ones already established with the intrigue and the mashing in between.

Q: Are you and Lady Cora more alike or more different?

A: I am somewhere in the middle. I am not someone who likes to get dressed in the morning and pretty much put on whatever is reachable. There is no wild side to me. I am a pretty steady, rigid sort of person.

Q: What are you first, a singer or an actor?

A: My profession began as an actor so that's my comfort zone. My brain though has been taken over by the music because it's a challenge and it keeps me young and is really taking a hold on me.

Q: Who are some of your favorite singers?

A: Alison Krauss, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell

Q: What is something most people don't know about you?

A: That I have written songs and recorded three albums with the Hotheads.

ELIZABETH MCGOVERN WITH "SADIE AND THE HOTHEADS'':Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk on Dec. 12 and in Hartford on Dec. 14; tickets start at $35 and go up to $125 that includes a VIP Meet-and-Greet with the band. For ticket information call 866-666- 6306 or go to infinityhall.com The Sadie and the Hotheads show at the Hartford venue on Dec. 14 will be taped by CPTV for the nationally syndicated TVD series Infinity Hall LIVE!